AUGUST 1
BE PATIENT BROTHERS AND SISTERS
James 5:7-8
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (WEB)
Two blogs ago, I wrote about our heavenly Father's patient heart and how mankind benefits from His goodness. In today's Scripture reading, I want to revisit this topic of patience once more, but in this blog, I want to discuss how patience shows itself in our own unique journeys.
When James talks about our need for patience, he uses a farming analogy. Farming is one of the most patient professions out there. A farmer's work largely involves preparing and nurturing a harvest that can't be seen or measured right away.
A farmer tills the soil, adds nutrients to improve it, and eventually plants the seed he hopes will grow into a plentiful crop months later. Many obstacles along the way can impact the final harvest. Persistent pests and bad weather are just two of the many challenges that a farmer knows can delay the outcome. Still, the farmer stays committed to doing everything he can, and then he waits.
Similarly, we should wait patiently for the return of our Lord. Whether we encounter Him in death or at His second coming, we are all eager to see Him. Just as a farmer does everything possible to prepare for the harvest, we should do the same spiritually. Plant good seeds wherever you can. Water the soil you have sown, and watch God bring about the increase!
2 Corinthians 9:10
Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; (WEB)
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. (WEB)
Two blogs ago, I wrote about our heavenly Father's patient heart and how mankind benefits from His goodness. In today's Scripture reading, I want to revisit this topic of patience once more, but in this blog, I want to discuss how patience shows itself in our own unique journeys.
When James talks about our need for patience, he uses a farming analogy. Farming is one of the most patient professions out there. A farmer's work largely involves preparing and nurturing a harvest that can't be seen or measured right away.
A farmer tills the soil, adds nutrients to improve it, and eventually plants the seed he hopes will grow into a plentiful crop months later. Many obstacles along the way can impact the final harvest. Persistent pests and bad weather are just two of the many challenges that a farmer knows can delay the outcome. Still, the farmer stays committed to doing everything he can, and then he waits.
Similarly, we should wait patiently for the return of our Lord. Whether we encounter Him in death or at His second coming, we are all eager to see Him. Just as a farmer does everything possible to prepare for the harvest, we should do the same spiritually. Plant good seeds wherever you can. Water the soil you have sown, and watch God bring about the increase!
2 Corinthians 9:10
Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; (WEB)